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Laura Roberts Obituary

Laura Hayes Roberts April 28, 1952 - Jan. 11, 2008 Laura passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Palo Alto after a short and courageous battle with cancer. During her final days, she spent time with her family and many loving friends. Laura's strength, courage, humility and selflessness were an inspiration to all who came into contact with her. Her enthusiasm for life, unwavering support for and genuine interest in others, were some of her special gifts. She was especially fond of stray animals. She adopted and cared for several stray cats and was always on the lookout to help return lost dogs to their owners. Laura was also a passionate and talented master gardener who created beautiful landscapes and provided gardening advice for neighbors and passersby. Laura spent her childhood in Davis, California with her brother Rod and her parents Charles and Lola Hayes. She attended UC Davis where she met her husband Dennis Roberts. During their college years, they spent two years living in Europe, and returned to Davis, where they resided until Laura attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to obtain an MBA degree. They were married in Davis on October 11, 1981, and made their home in Saratoga, California for over 24 years. Laura worked for many years as a financial analyst for Westinghouse, Argo Systems, and most recently at Lockheed Martin. She actively supported her sons, Jeff and Andrew, in their sports and school activities through her volunteer efforts. She is survived by her husband Dennis, sons Jeff (19), and Andrew (17) , her brother Rod Hayes, who resides in South Lake Tahoe, and her many sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration and reception honoring Laura to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26 at Trader Vic's in Palo Alto at 4269 El Camino Real. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Laura's name to any of the following non-profit organizations: American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City. OK 73123-1718 or www.cancer.org; Eastfield Ming Quong (EMQ), 251 Llewellyn Ave, Campbell CA 95008 or www.emq.org.; Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto CA 94301 or www.gamblegarden.org; Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124-5156 or www.hospicevalley.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News on Jan. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Laura Roberts

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Barbara Horiuchi

January 29, 2008

Dear Dennis, Jeffrey and Andrew,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Laura was always enthusiastic and an ever-helpful, cheerful fixture at school and sporting events for the boys. And her garden...always beautiful with her careful attention. Our condolences to your family.
Regards,
Barbara Horiuchi (Lulu), Mike Lulu and Danny Lulu

Luci and Roy Lagemann

January 25, 2008

Dear Dennis, Jeff, and Andrew,

We were so sad to hear about Laura. She was a wonderful and supportive mother! Roy and I have great memories of watching her transform your front yard into an absolutely amazing garden. Please know that you are in our thoughts at this very difficult time.

Beirne Shuffle

January 23, 2008

Dennis, Jeff and family,

I was sorry to hear about Laura's passing. I remember being with you and your family for youth soccer, basketball and baseball teams for years as our kids grew. Laura along with the rest of the parents gave generously of her time and support. I can still picture her and our conversations. I pray for your family's strength, perseverance and consolation in the days and months ahead.
Beirne

Bob and Pam DeBarr

January 22, 2008

Dear Andrew, Jeff and Dennis,
We are thinking about you with our hearts and remembering you in our prayers. With sincere sympathy and fond memories

Paul Branson

January 20, 2008

Dennis-
Cheri & I were so sorry to learn of Laura's passing. Although it has been many years since we have seen you, we have fond memories of you both from the Davis days. Laura was a wonderfully kind and gentle soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

John & Roz Fazio

January 17, 2008

Dennis, Jeff and Andrew
We are so sorry to hear of Laura's passing. She was a wonderful person and we'll miss her. May God protect her for you.

Grace Cantoni

January 17, 2008

Dennis and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Laura's passing. She was the most upbeat person. I loved working with her over the years. I will certainly be keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Cynthia Shuffle

January 16, 2008

May God Bless Laura. Laura was a wonderful inspiration to all who met her. She was always cheering for the boys on the soccer field. And, her joy of life was contagious to all.

As Laura looks down at us, I am sure she will give us may smiles from above.

Regina Schiavo

January 16, 2008

Dennis, I was very sorry to hear about Laura's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in your time of grief.

Gloria Schick

January 16, 2008

Dennis and family- I was so sorry to read about Laura's passing in the newspaper. Kevin and I have just recently moved back to CA. (Andrew and Jeff were on a soccer team together) She will be missed by many that are not family members. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your family. Take care and God bless. Kevin,Gloria,& Andrew Schick

Debbie Lillo

January 16, 2008

Jeff, Dennis and Andrew,
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. It's a loss for all of us--Laura was a wonderful woman! I wish I could join your celebration on the 26th, but am running a conference that day. You'll be in my prayers throughout these weeks to come

Jon Crawford

January 16, 2008

Dennis & Family - I was very sorry to get this news. I'd like to convey my sincerest condolences for your loss and the trying times I know you are experiencing. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Jim Mc Cann

January 16, 2008

Dennis, All your friends at Lockheed are sad to hear of your family's loss. It sounds like you had a wonderful wife with a big heart. I only hope I could find the grace she was able to in facing such a difficult situation. God be with you and yours during these difficult times. God bless.

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